Muskegon Soon to Be Home to Michigan's Tiniest Bar

Dec 27, 2023

They say size doesn't matter, and one new Michigan bar is about to put that thought process to work.

The Peoples Cider Co., the hard cider company from Grand Rapids, is getting ready to open a new location in Muskegon. Once completed, the new business will officially become Michigan's tiniest bar. The new 140-square-foot "tiny bar" will have just enough room inside for four customers and one bartender.

The Peoples Cider Co. owners Jason and Katie Lummen will make their footprint in Muskegon with the new bar set to be located in the seasonal Western Market and join 16 other quaint chalets already there. The idea for the tiny bar was born from inspiration from Smallest Bar in Key West, Florida. That bar is just 72 square feet and serves tropical cocktails from a tiny alley between two buildings.

"It's going to be Michigan's smallest bar, so I’m looking to market it that way," Lummen told city commissioners per Mlive. "The idea is that this chalet is a stepping stone," Lummen said. "Eventually we’d like a better brick and mortar (location) there, but for now this works for our little proletarian winery", he said.

The Muskegon City Commission approved the go-ahead with the liquor license application on March 28. The goal is to secure an off-premises tasting room license from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

The goal is to open the doors to Michigan's tiniest bar on Memorial Day weekend and plans to be open Thursday through Saturday until Western Market's season comes to an end in September.

The new bar will offer some limited outdoor seating as well and will sell canned cider with plans to offer to-go options to drink in the downtown Muskegon social district too.